Join Heather Roth's Cancer Healing Journey

Hi, I’m Heather. I’m a single mom/sole provider to an incredible 15-year-old boy, Tristan. I am a young, vibrant, active and healthy woman (or at least I thought so till my recent news). For those who know me, you know it’s not like me to ask for help; I’d rather help others and not be a burden. But today, I am reaching out for help. In the last 6 months, I was diagnosed with stage 3B breast cancer and recently was laid off from Facebook. Here's my story:

Late last fall my world turned upside down when I got the call from the doctor's office post a routine exam and follow-up procedure, "it's breast cancer", a fast-growing and aggressive Stage 3 'Invasive Ductal Carcinoma'. The cancer had spread from my breast to 10 lymph nodes in my underarm. I was shocked, how could this be as I had been the beacon of health all these years? A regular gym goer and healthy eater all my life, but here I was in the face of the biggest challenge of my life, the big C.

I immediately went into action, seeking out the best medical care around the country. After visiting 4 sets of oncologists, radiologists and surgeons from around the country, I got offered a clinical trial out of UC San Diego, a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy. I immediately packed my things in Denver and moved to San Diego to begin treatment. I recently completed the trial, but it only shrunk the tumors by 10%. Now the recommendation is 5 additional months of weekly chemotherapy, followed by surgery and finally, daily radiation for 5 weeks.

It's been 6 months of consistent medical care, multiple MRI's, CT Scans, weekly bloodwork, 3 biopsy procedures, many rounds of chemotherapy, immunotherapy and countless hours at the doctors' offices. I have had a team of friends and family who have circled around me, and I've been incredibly blessed with all their unconditional love and support.

A month ago in the midst of my chemo treatments, I got layed off from Meta (aka Facebook), along with my whole department, team and managers. My role was eliminated and our department was too, and in this round of layoffs, 10,000 of us were let go in the reduction of workforce. I had worked hard for years and was recently promoted. I was looking forward to a long, bright future at Facebook. Another plot twist!

Those that know me well, they know I hate asking for help. I would rather do it myself than inconvenience anyone or ever ask for money. I've been standing by my fiercely independent single mom persona for many years now and had pride in that I have done it all myself, but now I need your help. I am putting it all on the line and being very vulnerable - I need my community to help with the expenses of mounting medical bills, insurance premiums, deductibles, and more. I am also seeking out alternative therapy to keep my body and immune system strong to withstand all of these treatments. Daily juicing of organic veggies and fruits, red light therapy, detoxing baths, vitamins, supplements and more. All of this adds up quickly and it can be very overwhelming when you are unsure when you will be well enough to go back to work again.

Would you be able to donate towards my medical care and help me heal from this cancer? Or can you spread the word within your community about this ask?

My son, Tristan is a 9th grader at Torrey Pines High School. He is an incredible kid, active in sports and an honor student in school. Respectful and loved by all whom he meets, he is an outstanding citizen and an example. He deserves to have his mom thriving and alive by his side as he makes his way into adulthood.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your support, prayers, love and donations.

With all my heart,

Heather